Sterling silver attraction at February auction

A strong collection of sterling silver – the highlight of which is a Hester Bateman cruet set – should bring auction goers running for Philips Auctions first decorative arts sale for 2015.

The auction, from noon Sunday February 22 at 47 Glenferrie Road Malvern, will feature several “funky” contemporary art works by artists such as Herman Pekel, Anthony Morrison and Michael Whitehead.

Another strong attraction will be the Chinese export silver by Wing Fat from Hong Kong and Luen Wo from Shanghai – including a spirit kettle on a stand.

Fine quality Chinese and Vietnamese cargo pieces from the 16th and 17th centuries will whet collector appetites, particularly an impressive and sizeable beaker vase.

There are interesting Japanese samurai pieces for the history buffs including a range of ceremonial arrowheads - Yanone, with both willow leaf and barbed designs - a complete tanto, a Jinbaori or surcoat worn over armour and an Edo period black lacquer and gilded sword rack only permitted to be owned by high ranking samutrai families.

Among the furniture is a dining setting and other pieces (of teak or Australian hardwoods) by Australian designer Rudowski including a dining table and chairs with long buffet, tall bufffet, coffe table, bedside tables and auto trolley.

French rosewood art deco pieces include an extension dining table and six chairs, two matching sideboards, a desk and a bookcase.

Of interest to some auction goers will be a fine central Asian calligraphic Qum dated 1921 with beautiful subtle tones. The vendor's father fled Euorpe during World War II and finished up in Uzbekistan where he purchased the rug before coming to Australkia in the late 1940s.

Thge auction also contains French deco glass, an early Lalique (1925) "Vases" bowl, "Dauphins" bowl and goldfish bowl by Etling, an 1805-6 Regency tea and coffee stetting by Spode and Coalport and Royal Worcester vases.

Philips Auctions will hold its jewellery sale from 6pm Monday February 23.